Do I need a new starter?

[God]

A couple nights ago I accidently turned my ignition to the cranking position while the engine was already running , now when I crank the engine and just as it starts I get a scratching noise for about half a second. Does this mean I broke the teeth of my starter and need a new one?

 

[kcb37]

Take it off and look.
Then turn the flywheel so you can see each tooth.
More then likely it's just the starter, and I would bet you are right.

 

[retorq]

Maybe the flywheel. Good luck if it is.

 

[nimrod.sixty9]

Could be fly, jumping teeth until it gets momentum; or if starter, you're sitting on the broken tooth and hear it for that split second until it turns to good teeth and the fly gets it's momentum.

Hope that make sense. I also think starter.